Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

It is possible to develop
gestational diabetes
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

Obesity or Overweight

Studies found that women with a
body mass index
(BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 (classified as overweight) are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes. If your BMI is over 30, you are at an even greater risk.

Gestational Diabetes in a Previous Pregnancy

If you had gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy, this puts you at risk for developing the condition again.

Age

Being older (such as, 35 years or older) may increase your risk of gestational diabetes.

Family History of Diabetes

If you have a first-degree relative (parents, siblings) with diabetes, your risk of gestational diabetes is increased.

Race

You may be at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes if you are:

Hispanic American

Native American

Asian American

African American

Pacific Islander

Previous Delivery of a Large Baby

If you delivered a baby who was abnormally large at birth (called
macrosomia
), this increases your chance of gestational diabetes in your next pregnancy.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What I need to know about gestational diabetes. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) website. Available at:
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/#7. Updated December 6, 2011. Accessed August 17, 2012.